FLOODLIGHTING INTRODUCTION There are a number of key facility issues affecting clubs and restricting the growth of the game. One of these issues is the lack of, or poor quality of floodlighting. Accordingly, the installation of floodlighting for training is one of the facility improvements which are eligible under the Sport Wales Development Grant Scheme providing that “Value for Money” in terms of increased membership and participation can be shown. This guide has been designed to provide comprehensive coverage of virtually all aspects relating to the floodlighting of WRU rugby pitches and training areas but should not detract from the fact that a floodlighting expert should be commissioned to design and install a system appropriate to your requirements. For ease of reference it has been prepared in sections progressing from concept to completed installation, maintenance and possible future upgrading:
Contents A. DESIGN B. INFRASTRUCTURE C. PLANNING APPLICATION D. INSTALLATION E. CERTIFICATION F.
FLOODLIGHTING A1. GROUND LAYOUT IRB Laws of the Games Law 1.2: Required Dimensions for the Playing Enclosure (a) Dimensions: The field of play does not exceed 100 metres in length and 70 metres in width. Each in-goal does not exceed 22 metres in length and 70 metres in width. (b) The length and breadth of the playing area are to be as near as possible to the dimensions indicated. All the areas are rectangular. (c) The distance from the goal line to the dead ball line should be not less than 10 metres where practicable. The playing enclosure is the playing area and a space around it, not less than 5m where practicable, which is known as the perimeter area. Lighting columns should be installed beyond the playing enclosure.
A2. LOCAL SERVICES Before any ground excavation is carried out it is advisable to check with main service providers if they know of any underground power cables (WPD – South Wales/Scottish Power – North Wales) telecommunication cables (BT) gas mains (CENTRICA) or drainage/water/sewer pipes (local water authority). If there are any overhead power transmission lines crossing the field the erection of lighting columns should be discussed with National Grid, as height restrictions may be imposed.
A3. LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS Lamp output is measured in Lumens; Lighting levels are measured in Lux, which is the basic SI unit of illuminance equating to one lumen per square metre. [1 lumen / m2 = 1 Lux]. From the table below the required average horizontal illuminance should be determined. In technical documents this is often referred to as Eav. The ratio of the minimum illuminance Emin. provided by a floodlighting installation to the average illuminance Eav. is termed Uniformity uO. This is also very important, as a high Uniformity will give improved appearance, even at lower values of average illuminance. 3
Facilities Guidance Note 8
FLOODLIGHTING There is also a Glare Rating factor for installations, termed GR and calculated by computer. When using modern floodlights mounted at the correct height and aimed correctly, it would be rare for an installation not to achieve a satisfactory Glare Rating. Typical Main Pitch Layout with Training Floodlights on the Reverse
MATCH AND TRAINING STANDARDS (also refer to WRU licence criteria) Class 1: Match Play Competition, Premier Cups, HDTV Minimum Requirement.
500 Lux
Class 2: Match Play Competition, WRU Premier.
300 Lux
Class 3: Match Play Competition, General Requirement.
250 Lux
Class 4: Match Play Competition, Minimum Acceptable Level.
200 Lux
Class 5: General Training
100 Lux
Schedule of Lighting Levels: Horizontal Illuminance, Lux [Eav.]
